The fishing available on the Thurso River includes salmon and trout fishing on Beat 1, salmon fishing on the Private Beat and trout fishing on Glutt Water, the Duck Loch and Loch Willan.
Fishing in these areas is arranged via River Superintendent, Eddie McCarthy or his designated representative, on behalf of Ulbster Estates (Sporting) Ltd.
The Private Beat has seven named Pools, in which, in excess of 150 fish are caught in a season. The Sauce Pool is a favourite of many because it holds a large number of fish and keeps the Angler interested. However, Maggie Dumpy, the Long Pool and the Castle Pool each give up many fish in the course of a season.
Beat One extends from Geise Burn down to the sea. It is divided into three sections. The Upper Beat which runs from Geise Burn Pool down to the Cemetery Bridge. The Foundry Beat is between the Cemetery Bridge and the Swimming Pool Bridge, whilst the Tidal Beat is from below the Thurso Road Bridge down to the Salmon Bothy.
This is a Loch which has been well managed for many years and produces some very good trout. This Loch has a boat available to anglers.
When the Sinclair Family took up residence in Dalnawillan Lodge over the Summer breaks, the youngsters of the family were regularly sent along to Loch Willan to get some trout for the breakfast table. As this Loch has not been fished on a regular basis for several years, we anticipate that it will be a great spot to teach youngsters as the fish are very free taking. This Loch has a boat available to anglers.
The trout fishing available on the Glutt Water, to Dalnaha residents only, extends from Dalnawillan Lodge down to Loch More. There is a nice variation in water types from slow moving, deep pools to shallower “riffly” pools. A couple of pools, which were named some years ago, are the Boat Pool and the Ox Bow Pool.
Fishing on Ulbster Estates (Sporting) Ltd water has a number of rules, restrictions and responsibilities for the benefit of us all.
In the interests of ensuring the sustainability of our river it is essential that each of these rules, restrictions and responsibilities are recognised, understood and adhered to by all.
The fishing season extends from 11th January to 5th October, and fish can be caught during every month. Currently the best fishing is from March to October with the larger catches occurring from July until the end of the season.
Fishing is by fly only.
Only Single Handed/Grilse Rods fitted with full floating lines are to be used on the Tidal Section of Beat 1. No other rods are to be used!
In recent years the catch has been rising and the numbers of early running fish are increasing. Historically, the Thurso has offered some of the earliest and best spring fishing in Scotland.
Grilse can provide tremendous sport from July onwards and sea liced summer salmon enter the river, given the right water conditions, right through to the end of the season.
The slow moving, canal type waters on the River are invaluable for the conservation of fish stocks in hot, dry weather conditions and with a good wind to ruffle the water, they can be very productive.
Fishing is by fair fly only and fishing with bait, prawn, worm, spinner, spoon or any other lure is expressly forbidden. Fishing is from both banks and breast waders are not necessary.
It is a prerequisite of fishing on the River Thurso that anglers sign and deliver the GYRODACTYLUS SALARIS DECLARATION FORMS (supplied via post) to the River Superintendent upon arrival of their first day at the river and before they commence fishing. Anglers who have not signed and delivered the declaration, will not be permitted to fish.
If you gain no more advice from this entire web site than you do from this page, you will do well. Bring warm clothes and plenty of them!
Caithness is renowned to deliver 4 seasons in one day - literally at any time of year. The wind howls over the Flow Country, and particularly when coming from the North or East can be bitterly cold.
There are few places on the river that require, aye that benefit, from wading. However, you will find that waders do keep you very warm and dry so I would recommend them at most times of the year. If you decide not to bring waders, then ensure you bring warm, dry, comfortable footwear.
I'll repeat my earlier advice for emphasis - bring warm clothes, and plenty of them!!
Now, let me begin by being straight with you. I'm not going to tell you everything you need to know about what works, when, on the Thurso - otherwise where would the fun be! However, I will give you a lot of pointers in the right direction.
Between January and March you would be best to use between a 2" and 3" tubes with a barbless double. Much depends on river height, but generally fairly large tubes work well. If you like to fish a double at this time of year then a size 2 or 4 should suffice.
Once the season starts progressing you can decrease your fly size to around an 1"-1.5" tube and size 6 or 8 double. If the water height starts to drop away then very small doubles - 10's or 12's tend to work well, often forfeiting a tube for a small double or two.
Towards the end of the season you would do well to go back to slightly larger flies.
With regards to patterns, flies such as the Willie Gunn, Torrish, Green Highlander, Silver Wilkinson, Thunder & Lightning, Yellow & Orange, and Fast Eddie work well on tubes. Alley's Shrimps, Hairy Mairy, Stoats Tails, Thurso Dowg, Golden Demon, Munro Killer, Macartair, General Practitioner, Templedog, Kerrie's Killer, Red Demon, Copper King and Fast Eddie fish well as doubles.
Rod requirements can vary greatly on the Thurso depending on the time of year, height of water, type of line, and - of course - personal preference.
Generally, for Spring and Back-end fishing you would do well with a 14' or 15' rod when you will typically be using heavier flies, heavier lines and (all being well) fishing bigger water too. With this size of rod you will comfortably access every pool on the Thurso.
For mid-season it really is dependant on conditions - particular river height. Personally, if the river height is around 12" or less, then I like to use a large trout rod - perhaps 10'6 or 11'. With this you can access most pools with relative ease, you are using small flies and a floating line and it really does give you a great bit of sport - no matter how small or large the fish on the end!
With such a wide variety of line choice available these days, it's difficult to give advice on what to use as so much is down to personal preference. Here is some of my personnal recommendations.
Firstly - bring a floater, an intermediate and a sinker! As they say in the scouts - "be prepared" (dib, dib, dib!).
At the beginning of the season (up until around mid-April) you will have most success with a sinking line as the fish will typically be lying low due to the lower temperatures. Depending on the height of the water, you may find it easier with an intermediate. The same is true towards the end of the season, although I've also had success on a floater at this time as well!
During the middle of the season - when temperatures rise ro 50 deg F and above - unless we have particularly high water, then a floating line (or a sink tip) will suffice nicely, and in my opinion nothing can beat that bow wave coming straight for your fly and having to hold your nerve until you feel him turn and pull!
We do, however, recommend double taper lines if at all possible. These are very much recommended by the local ghillies and will make your casting and fishing experience so much more enjoyable!
The map shows the route to the Duck Loch.
Please be aware that this road is suited to 4X4 vehicles, preferably with good ground clearance, only.
An OS Online Map is available here.
The map shows the route to Loch Willan.
Please be aware that this road is suited to 4X4 vehicles, preferably with good ground clearance, only.
An OS Online Map is available here.
The map shows the route to Dalnaha and Glutt Water.
Please be aware that this road is suited to 4X4 vehicles, preferably with good ground clearance, only.
Trout Fishing on Glutt Water is reserved for the tenants of Dalnaha Cottage exclusively
An OS Online Map is available here.
The Private Beat nestles between Beat 10, to the West and Upper Beat 11 to the East, on the Thurso River.
Starting at the Sauce Pool, the Beat winds slowly downstream to Maggie Dumpy, Hickson's Hole, The Bridge Pool and The Long Pool before turning sharply North to The Castle Pool and on to The Devil's Pool where it turns East and ends as the river runs into Upper Beat 11.
Each pool presents the Angler with different challenges but the fishing is rewarding.
Every Angler finds his own favourite pool, many after a spirited fight from a salmon which has just entered the system.
Beat 1 is situated between Beat 2 and the River Estuary.
The Beat is sub-divided into 3 smaller Beats, the Upper Beat to the west, the Foundry Beat in the middle and the Tidal Beat, at the Estuary.
The Upper Beat extends from Geise Burn up to the Cemetery Bridge.
The Foundry Beat lies between the Cemetery Bridge and the Swimming Pool Bridge.
The Tidal Beat lies between the Road Bridge and the Salmon Bothy, at the Thurso Harbour.
The satellite image shows the river flowing through Thurso on its way to the sea.
On arrival at the Duck Loch you encounter about one hundred yards of difficult terrain with small Dhu Lochs etc and tufted hummocks.
When you reach the boat it is best to set up the rod with a cast of three flies, which could be Black Pennel, Invicta and Soldier Palmer.
The fly selection will vary with the day as will the best fishing spots as the trout get down wind of the surface food source.
Loch Nam Fear is situated North East of Loch Willan in a beautiful setting where most anglers will have a very relaxing experience.
Trout are of the highest quality and provide a satisfying challenge for even the most experienced angler.
Access to this Loch is, from the road, over 600m of very difficult, boggy terrain which should not be undertaken by a lone angler.
As with all Hill Lochs in the Peatlands take care where you are walking being constantly aware of the difficulties you may encounter.
Loch Nam Fear is NOT suitable for wading outwith the boat landing area.
For further information about the Private Beat, contact details are provided below.
For further information about Beat 1, contact details are provided below.
